Laminated panels are laid on a special substrate, which provides a shock-absorbing effect, absorbs noise and evens out the rough surface if necessary. In addition, intermediate insulators can be stacked, but this decision will depend on the characteristics of operation in specific conditions. The only drawback of the multilayer “pie” device is the increase in the floor level, from which the question naturally arises: what thickness of the substrate for the laminate is better? On the one hand, a thick lining increases the positive effects of the operation of the lamellas, and on the other hand, the height of the room is reduced. The solution to this problem will to a large extent depend on the choice of material for the substrate.
In what range to determine the optimal thickness?
The minimum thickness of the standard class linings is 2-3 mm, and the maximum is 10-12 mm. In this range, you should make a choice, focusing on the properties of the laminate, the characteristics of the substrate and the current state of the base for laying the material. But what is the reason for such a variation in size? Despite the same functional tasks, the substrates have a different structure and differ in the properties of stiffness, density and hardness. For example, soft materials have limitations in thickness, since the structure is rapidly deformed and adversely affects the material. On the contrary, the solid-state base for the lining can be thick, however, it does not always make sense to increase its thickness, since the solid structure can perform the tasks of leveling the floor at a low height. That is, the answer to the question of what thickness of the substrate for the laminate is better in a particular case should be sought primarily in the functions that the material will have to perform.
What are the criteria for choosing a thickness?
For the noise insulation effect and thermal insulation, of course, a thick substrate will be more profitable, but it also entails the risks of deformation of the lamellas. Also, do not expect that a high lining will certainly provide the effect of leveling the floor - this will depend on the structure of the material. A 2-mm high-strength plate can also make a perfectly flat surface, however, its noise reduction properties will be minimal. What is the best thickness of the substrate for the laminate, when it comes to the universal effect of alignment, insulation and noise reduction? As a rule, substrates with a thickness of 3-5 mm, made of soft-bodied raw materials, are considered as an average variant. But such a solution will justify itself if the laminate itself is not inclined to excesses and deformations - especially in places of castle joints. In any case, the choice is based on the characteristics of a particular substrate, not forgetting that there are other parameters for evaluating its performance.
Other substrate selection criteria
Not every material can be used in a room with a high humidity coefficient. This is one of the main limitations on the use of substrates. Similar contraindications also exist for natural wood and laminate, but manufacturers are successfully mastering moisture-resistant coating technologies, offering modifications for laying in the kitchen and even in the bathroom. As for the lining, everything is not so clear. In general, synthetic materials are suitable for laying in places of direct contact with moisture. For example, polystyrene foam substrates with moisture-resistant coatings respond steadily to water without losing their basic performance. But this material should not be used in conditions of constant wetting, since dampness creates the conditions for the development of bacteria. Do not ignore the function of the shock absorber, due to which the creaking of lamellas and vibrations is eliminated. To walk on the floor was pleasant and quiet, the base should be soft and at the same time easily restoring shape.
Extruded polystyrene backing
Quite practical and therefore common material, which is famous for its good sound insulation and warming function. If there is open ground under the rough foundation or there is no central heating in the room, this option can be considered first. In addition, with the help of extruded polystyrene foam, it is possible to level the floor with large defects. For such purposes, a plate with a thickness of at least 5 mm is suitable. For other parameters, the standard sheet sizes of polystyrene foam are 1000x1000, 1000x1200, etc. As a rule, these are large-sized square or rectangular panels for laying on large platforms. More importantly, experts recommend purchasing this material with a corrugated back surface, which will provide air circulation in the lower layers under the laminate. Due to this structure, the risk of mold and fungus in the underground niche can be reduced.
Polyethylene backing
One of the thinnest materials for a substrate, the thickness of which is usually 2 mm. Actually, polyethylene and polyethylene products are rarely used for depreciation and surface leveling. With a small thickness, they demonstrate decent heat and sound insulating functions, also forming a reliable hydrobarrier. Operational practice confirms that neither rodents nor insects start in polyethylene foam substrates of various modifications. But it should be borne in mind that this material is far from the most durable, therefore, over time, with intensive interaction with a thin laminate, it can noticeably sag. The presence of an external metallized layer, which will also act as an additional waterproofing layer, will help to partially minimize this deformation process.
Technical cork backing
A very common material, showing resistance to deformation and an almost complete set of required insulation qualities. Over the years of operation, this structure does not lose its qualities even in harsh conditions of use in rooms with high traffic. This is explained by the density of the technical plug, which does not allow the base to deform and keeps the locking mechanisms of the lamellas in working condition. At the same time, the dense structure does not exclude the properties of flexibility that allows you to hide small irregularities on the rough surface. But for this, again, you will have to initially choose plates of medium thickness up to 4-5 mm. Are there any weaknesses in this material? Of course, the main of the disadvantages of cork can be called complete incompatibility with wet rooms. Contact with water is harmful for such substrates, therefore a bathroom with a kitchen is contraindicated for such flooring.
Features of bitumen-cork substrate
Modification of a classic cork-based substrate with an addition of bituminous resins. In fact, the structure of the material is formed by layers of craft paper with the addition of bitumen. The cork component in the design is represented by crumbs, providing the effect of noise isolation and especially cushioning. The unique advantages of this product compared to natural materials include natural biological protection, since the material is not covered by mold and fungus, even in conditions of high humidity. At the same time, all the operational strengths characteristic of a conventional cork tile used as a substrate are retained. However, modification with the addition of bitumen is expensive, so it does not make sense to use it in combination with a cheap low-quality laminate.
Fiberboard backing
For lining under a laminate or parquet board, low density wood fiber material is made. The structure of such plates is specifically oriented towards providing sound and thermal insulation, as well as the shock-absorbing effect. A 3 mm thick wood-fiber substrate under the laminate copes with knocks when walking on the floor, and with penetrating sounds. Although the ability of complex noise reduction will largely depend on the characteristics of the lamellas themselves. As for the leveling ability, the plates smooth out errors up to 2 mm thick. Woodworking waste with a minimum inclusion of synthetic binders is used as the material for the manufacture of such a mortar, therefore, from the point of view of environmental cleanliness, this solution is the most attractive.
Needle-based backing
A kind of fiberboard, but from pine needles. As the basis for the material, pressed pine and spruce wastes with the addition of resins as binders are used - in this regard, we can speak of similarities with the previous material. Coniferous trees themselves retain heat well, suppress third-party sounds and do not contribute to the formation of condensate. In addition, the coniferous substrate is characterized by microventilation and resists negative processes of biological properties. But it also has specific disadvantages that impede the widespread use of such substrates. Firstly, even in comparison with hardwood fiber boards, coniferous panels lose in terms of strength and durability. Secondly, there are many reviews on how this material absorbs odors that cannot be removed without dismantling. To this, it is worth adding the thickness of this substrate of 4-5 mm. Only in this format is the needles capable of providing insulation and cushioning functions.
Natural or artificial backing?
With all the advantages of artificial plates that are used as substrates, the consumer is increasingly eager to use natural materials in the decoration. Considering the fact that relatively natural products are rather widely represented in this segment, the main focus of the market is focused on them. But how justified is it? To begin with, it should be noted that, in a structural respect, a direct competitor to wood-fiber and cork boards is polystyrene foam. Under the laminate, it technically performs the same functions, with a large cushioning effect. In addition, artificial materials are practically spared the problems of biological damage and are more resistant to moisture. The only significant advantage of natural materials is environmental cleanliness, but it is also relative.
Features of the combined substrate
Technological modification based on synthetic materials with different characteristics. Initially, such hybrids were developed specifically for laying under floor heating systems, but today their operational properties have expanded. The modern combined substrate is a combination of polystyrene foam (core) and layers of polyethylene. Using such a coating under the laminate, one can count on increased heat and sound insulation properties, mechanical reliability and ventilation.
Conclusion
Over the years of developing laminate panels, flooring manufacturers have proposed several substrate formats. The most preferred thicknesses are considered to be 2 and 3 mm. However, practice shows that thin-sheet panels are often not enough for both alignment and cushioning. What is the thickness of the substrate for the laminate is better when it comes to a problematic rough surface and the task is to strengthen the basis for laying? In this case, too thick plates are not necessary to use, but the same polystyrene foam or cork panel of 4-5 mm is more likely to justify itself under such conditions. Another thing is that it is necessary to reckon with other operational factors, which can impose restrictions on the use of cork and on the laying of its synthetic analogues.